Jacintha Saldanha

A telephone prank initiated by two DJs at an Australian radio station went horribly wrong last week.

The radio personalities called a hospital where Kate Middleton was being treated for acute morning sickness and impersonated Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles. They managed to receive confidential information about the Duchess’s medical condition, which was broadcast on the air.

Three days later, nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who was duped by the DJs, was found dead. It is assumed that her death was directly related to stress caused by the prank.

Many people are outraged over this tragedy. The radio station is reviewing its practices. The two DJs, who have been suspended indefinitely, have expressed remorse. Nothing good has come of this terribly inept attempt at humor.

Humor, when properly used, can be a gift from God. But the Bible warns against extreme attempts to be funny. Proverbs 26:18-19 says, “Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”

I like a good joke as well as anyone, but ill-advised humor can hurt people.

So let’s be careful.